Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| ходи́ти | xodýty |
| іти́ | itý |
| іти́ кро́ком | itý krókom |
| гуля́ти | huljáty |
| іти́ пі́шки | itý píšky |
The English verb 'walk' translates to several Ukrainian words depending on whether you are describing a physical movement, a habitual action or a leisure activity. Use ходи́ти for the general ability or habit of walking, and іти́ for walking toward a specific destination. If the purpose is enjoyment or leisure, use гуля́ти or its related forms to convey strolling or hanging out.
Which one should you use?
Ukrainian distinguishes between the type of movement and the intent. ходи́ти is used for habitual or multidirectional movement, such as saying you walk to school every day. іти́ is used for directional or unidirectional movement, describing the act of walking toward a destination right now. While ходи́ти and іти́ focus on the physical act, гуля́ти specifically means walking for pleasure or strolling.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb гуля́ти is imperfective, making it suitable for describing ongoing or repeated leisure walks. For a single instance of a leisure walk, you can use the noun прогуля́нка.
How do you pronounce it?
xodýty
Did you know?
- The word for 'to stroll' or 'to walk for pleasure', гуля́ти, is the same word used to describe 'partying' or 'reveling'. A casual walk in a park and a loud, celebratory feast are linguistically linked through this single verb.
- The term for a wedding celebration shares the same linguistic root as the word for a casual stroll, гуля́ти.
- If you want to emphasize that you are walking specifically on foot to distinguish it from transport, you use the phrase іти́ пі́шки. The word пі́шки functions as an adverb derived from the word for 'foot'.
Examples in context
- Ми можемо блукати вулицями.We can wander the streets.
- Підемо прогуляємося до парку.Let's go have a walk in the park.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “walk” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
